Joel Kim Booster, host of the upcoming Peacock reality show Love Hotel, issued a public apology to RHOC star Shannon Beador on October 11, 2024. Booster's apology addressed accusations he made on September 29, claiming Beador mistreated crew members during the show's production. His initial comments, posted on Instagram Stories, called Beador a "pathetic drunk" and mentioned her recent DUI arrest.
Stars from several Real Housewives series, including Beador from RHOC, will appear on the Love Hotel. The show, filmed in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, also stars Luann de Lesseps, Gizelle Bryant, and Ashley Darby.
Booster issues public apology to RHOC star after Love Hotel filming dispute
On September 29, 2024, Joel Kim Booster took to Instagram Stories for a series of posts targeting Shannon Beador. In these now-deleted messages, Booster accused Beador of treating the crew of Love Hotel "like they are subhuman." He referred to Beador as a "pathetic drunk on a reality television show" and mentioned her "string of failed relationships and a DUI."
On October 11, 2024, Joel Kim Booster returned to Instagram Stories to issue a public apology to Shannon Beador. In his statement, Booster admitted to letting "an on-set conflict cloud his judgment" and acknowledged that he had accessed the "darkest, ugliest part" of himself in making his initial accusations.
Booster's apology recognized the challenges Beador had faced, referring to her "extraordinarily hard year." He expressed regret for potentially making Beador's "road toward stability more difficult" and voiced hope that she would emerge from the situation "stronger, healthier, and with the love that she deserves."
The timing of initial accusations was particularly sensitive, coming just weeks after Beador's arrest for driving under the influence on September 16, 2023.
Booster's initial posts had offered to share video evidence of the RHOC star's alleged behavior with his followers via direct messages. Despite the quick deletion, media outlets captured and reported on the content of these posts, amplifying the situation beyond the confines of social media.
Shannon Beador's response
Shannon Beador replied to Booster's allegations on October 3, 2024. During the Shannon & Vicki Live show at the Irvine Improv in California, Beador expressed confusion about Booster's comments, stating that his behavior throughout the filming had been supportive. She recalled that Booster had "tears in his eyes" the night prior to the wrap party, stating he was "so happy for her."
Beador characterized Booster's actions as "very unprofessional" and voiced her sadness about how the incident had affected her overall experience on the show. She emphasized that she had done "kind things on the show" and that others had commented on her kindness.
The RHOC star struggled to reconcile Booster's public accusations with the positive interactions she believed they had shared during production.
Other cast member reactions
Luann de Lesseps, another cast member of Love Hotel, came to Beador's defense during an appearance on Melissa Gorga's On Display podcast. De Lesseps stated that she "didn't notice" any bad behavior. She also revealed that Booster had privately apologized to all cast members following his public outburst.
De Lesseps characterized Booster's actions as a "mistake," saying he had "acted out." She predicted that the incident "would be forgotten" and praised Booster as a "good host." Despite the controversy, de Lesseps expressed optimism about the show, saying people would love the show.
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As of the latest reports, Love Hotel remains scheduled to air on Peacock in 2025. The impact of this incident on the show's production or release plans remains unclear. With Booster's public apology and the supportive statements from other cast members, the situation appears to have reached a resolution.
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